Virginia (8-5) vs Louisville (9-5)
January 4, 2025 at 04:00 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: Virginia +3.5 / Louisville -3.5 — Over/Under: 129.5
In this article, we will formulate a Louisville vs Virginia prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, January 4th at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Virginia. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Louisville Cardinals Betting Preview
The Louisville Cardinals are 9-5 (2-1) this year after they defeated North Carolina by a score of 83-70 in their last game. Louisville led 37-31 at halftime and they scored 46 points in the second half for the double-digit win. The Cardinals shot 44.8% from the field, 23.1% on three-pointers, and 64.1% on free throws in the game. Chucky Hepburn led Louisville with 26 points and seven assists, while Reyne Smith added 17 points and three steals in the game.
Prior to that win, the Cardinals defeated Eastern Kentucky by a score of 78-76 and Florida State by a score of 90-76. Louisville has won three games in a row and four of their last five, but they did lose their first conference game of the year against Duke by a score of 76-65. Louisville has scored 78.4 points per game and they have allowed 71.6 points per game, while also averaging 38.4 rebounds and 13.4 assists per game this season. Chucky Hepburn is averaging 15.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, while Terrence Edwards Jr. is averaging 14.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game this year. Louisville is shooting 43% from the field, 71.4% on free throws, and 29.5% on three-pointers this season.
Virginia Cavaliers Betting Preview
The Virginia Cavaliers are 8-5 (1-1) this season after they defeated NC State by a score of 70-67 in their last game. Virginia trailed 39-29 at the half, but they outscored NC State by a total of 41-28 in the second half for the close win. The Cavaliers shot 54.2% from the field, 45% on three-pointers, and 75% on free throws in the game. Elijah Saunders led Virginia with 22 points and five rebounds, while Isaac McKneely added 14 points and three assists in the game.
Prior to that win, the Cavaliers defeated American by a score of 63-58 but did lose to Memphis by a score of 64-62 before that. Virginia has won three of their last four games after starting the season 5-4. Virginia has scored 62.2 points per game and they have allowed 60.8 points per game, while also averaging 31.6 rebounds and 14.6 assists per game this season. Isaac McKneely is averaging 12.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, while Elijah Saunders is averaging 12.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game this season. Virginia is shooting 44.4% from the field, 72.8% on free throws, and 38.5% on three-pointers this year.
Why Louisville will beat Virginia
- Louisville has won each of its last four day games.
- Virginia has lost the first half in each of its last four day games against Conference opponents.
Louisville vs Virginia Prediction
Virginia comes into this matchup after picking up a nice comeback victory against NC State in their last game, but they haven’t been great to start the season. The Cavaliers have five losses to five pretty good teams, but they barely beat Campbell and American. Virginia is only scoring 62.2 points per game this year, but they are elite on defense. Louisville is coming off a great win against UNC, but they will be on the road here. The Cardinals are only shooting 43% from the field, but they are scoring over 78 points per game on the season. Louisville isn’t great on defense, but they should enjoy a nice rebounding advantage in this contest. This should be another very close matchup in the ACC, but I am taking Louisville, as I don’t trust Virginia and their low-scoring offense.